Power Kite Forum

Front fender anyone?

soliver - 24-10-2012 at 06:48 PM

Hey guys, I've been thinking about adding a front fender to my bug because of all the stuff it throws up in my face or onto my camera.

I've considered the fabric ones that PL sells, but I thought a plastic or metal one might look cooler, and would probably be more effective.

Buying one is probably the easiest route but I'm not opposed to making one, so...

Does anyone sell one or have an easy idea for making one. I am pretty well fully equipped and reasonably well skilled with a welder. I would prefer something that looks good rather than a thrown together sort of thing. So simple but good looking would be a good descriptor for making it

I think the best option would be buying one, as my project list is outgrowing me, but if it's simple enough I may manage to fit it in before JIBE... VAN,... PTW,... any ideas guys?

maybe mod something for a motorcycle???? dunno,... suggestions????

My bug has a PL comp xr front end with barrows if that helps.

shehatesmyhobbies - 24-10-2012 at 07:21 PM

You will see all different types of homemade front fenders. Todd has one on an Ivanpah made out of a 8 inch PVC elbow. Others use metal fenders you can pick up at tractor supply, as I have done. There are a ton of different options, anyone can buy one, it's making it your own way that makes your buggy unique to you! Heck my first one was fashioned out of a plastic dog collar they give you after your dog has had surgery. I saw a video on how to make one out of that and gave it a shot, it lasted a year before it got cracked, not bad for about 25 bucks.

Van does make a pretty nice one for the XR, it is made out of material but has an insert to give it rigidity.

soliver - 24-10-2012 at 08:25 PM

Thanks Rich,

this looks like it may work:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/carry-on-trailer-reg-steel-fend...

any other suggestions.

van - 25-10-2012 at 06:09 AM

Take a look at this one that I made for my buggies. It's made from one flat piece of plastic.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=20233&p...

soliver - 25-10-2012 at 06:24 AM

That's sweet Van, where did you get that plastic?

Would you be opposed to letting me get a copy of that pattern? If I altered it as little it might work for me.

WELDNGOD - 25-10-2012 at 03:28 PM

Hey Rich, I think you forgot the SWEETEST DIY fender. The one on my stainless buggy/KYTBYK . Made from stailess steel also, then painted w/ color shifting paint.:ninja:

buggy fender.jpg - 157kB

WELDNGOD - 25-10-2012 at 03:33 PM

close up

buggy fender 2.jpg - 147kB

soliver - 25-10-2012 at 05:18 PM

WG, that looks sweet!
What is that black trim around the edge, and where can you get it?

I have found a couple of trailer fenders at tractor and trailer suppliers that look like they will be easy to modify to fit, so I'm thinking that may be the route I choose. ... but what recommendations can you guys make for creating it to do what its supposed to?

ie.:
What kind of clearance from the tire is too much/ not enough?
What have you guys found are effective means to fasten it to the front fork?
How far down the back of the tire does it need to go to do the job?
What are just some general recommendations etc etc etc?

WELDNGOD - 25-10-2012 at 05:22 PM

soliver, it is alled "edge trim". You can get it at auto parts stores. Mine bolts to brackets welded to the forks. You can see how far down mine goes,I just guesstimated it.

van - 25-10-2012 at 06:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soliver
That's sweet Van, where did you get that plastic?

Would you be opposed to letting me get a copy of that pattern? If I altered it as little it might work for me.


I got the plastic sheet from a plastic supplier here in Houston. It's the same stuff on plastic trash cans. So if you have an old round black plastic trash can ... :smilegrin:

I can trace and scan my pattern for you. I made one for bigfoot and one for barrow tire. I assume you need the smaller of the two??

If you have problems gettting the plastic .. I have a piece left that should be big enough for you. I can send it to you. It might even magically have the pattern already traced on it ...hahaa... :spin:

soliver - 25-10-2012 at 07:07 PM

Thanks Van, but don't go to the trouble, I think I've decided to modify a trailer fender I can buy at a tractor supply place. The ones I have seen that look like they will fit look to be less than $20. This seems like it will be the easiest and least expensive means to get a good looking and effective fender.

Still interested in hearing an helpful nuggets you or anyone else may have to offer though...

BigMikesKites - 26-10-2012 at 04:45 AM

WG, thats the prettiest thing I've seen in a long time. Good job

popeyethewelder - 26-10-2012 at 12:38 PM

For my disc wheels I sourced a Yamaha R6 fender and made a couple of brackets up so fixe the fender to my forks, it works superbly well